I have taught both at IPTAs and IPTSs.

Both have its merits but in terms of teaching experience, and higher learning, you have to go with IPTAs. To put it bluntly, do look at the business model for both types of universities and you could see the difference.

IPTSs main goal is to make money (despite the slogans blahblah) and profit margin is sought after before academic excellence. You only have to see the influx of foreign students who barely qualify as high school students in IPTS degree courses across the country. We have also seen the emergence of 'instant' vocational diplomas such as nursing in a lot of Colleges as these courses provide instant profit.

I am not saying that this drive for profit gain has caused quality to reduce, but it certainly makes it harder for these University colleges to grow. As an example, a lot of UCs today are gearing up for Full Uni status by encouraging their lecturers to do research. However, most of the funds have already been allocated to the shareholders, marketing and student services that the best these researchers can do is go beyond the College for grants. IPTAs on the other receive a steady (maybe not in the last couple of years) injection of funds by the government specifically meant for research.

Most students who are applying for their diplomas and degrees may not have to worry about the amount of research produced at their universities because it is irrelevant to their studies. However, Research universities do attract the best minds and though they might not be the best 'teachers' in the classroom, they are some of the best thinkers/ writers/ policy makers in the country.

As for this debate whether IPTAs or IPTSs students speak better Engrrish, I think they are equally good and equally atrocious. I was just marking some exam papers this afternoon and OMG the level of English..is..horrible.. can't read..anymore..must poke eyes with red pen!!!!